After the Crimson Tide defense produced one of its many first-half stops against Clemson in Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal, Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis stood in Clemson’s backfield, lifted his right hand to his facemask and made a “shh” gesture.

Davis, a Meridian alumnus, went on to finish the night with a season-high four tackles — including a sack — and his performance in the win helped send Alabama to Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game.

While many in the college football world are now seeing what made Davis a heralded recruit from Meridian, those in the Queen City are hardly surprised by his success. Current Meridian head coach Calvin Hampton was the Wildcats’ offensive line coach when Davis donned the blue-and-white. Hampton said Monday’s game against Georgia is a platform for Davis — who is 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds — to represent Meridian.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to show what Meridian High is about, what the community is about and what Meridian High football is about,” Hampton said. “He always has been a hard worker, and he’s just reaping the benefits of the hard work and staying focused on the process they have at Alabama. It’s a great opportunity for him to step on the large stage and show his skills, and at the same time, represent Meridian High and Meridian High football.”

As a freshman last year, Davis played in four games and ended the season with four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. This year, he’s been a staple on Alabama’s defensive line, as he logged playing time in 12 games, accumulating 64 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Meridian defensive line coach Demetrius Hill spent four years with Davis during his prep career. Hill first met Davis when Davis was a freshman during a trip to Six Flags in Atlanta. One of the first things Hill noticed was Davis’ size.

“He was a big kid back then; very playful,” Hill said.

While Davis always had size in his arsenal, Hill said it took a while for him to learn to grow into it on the football field.

“Any time you have a kid that big, you have to let him grow into his body,” Hill said. “It was just patience starting out because he was a big kid, and sometimes when you’re that young and big, you have to grow into your body. He didn’t realize what he had until he got a little bit older, and then it started coming together for him.”

Hill said Davis’ size and skill came together during Davis’ junior year when he participated in summer camps. Davis’ nimble feet, Hill said, are what makes him an effective football player.

“One thing I always told him is that he had great feet,” Hill said. “He can run well, and it’s paying off now. He runs well, and he’s in shape for a big man. That’s a great thing. He’s very dedicated to what he’s doing.”

Davis’ impact hasn’t just benefited Alabama. Davis frequently stops by his alma mater when visiting his hometown and is active with the program. Hampton and Hill both agree about the positive impact his influence has on Meridian’s current players.

“All my guys look up to Rae,” Hill said. “When he comes home he comes to the games, and he still comes to the defensive line meetings. He talks to the guys. When he was home this past summer, he worked with some of the defensive linemen on different drills he’s doing over at Alabama. He’s a big influence on my guys now. He’s doing an excellent job for Alabama, but the bigger picture is his doing a heck of a job for Meridian because he’s doing the right things, and that’s what we need.”